No need to fear if it feels like the first day of the school year is sneaking up on you. Across DeKalb County, several organizations are offering free school supplies and other giveaways in advance of the 2019-20 school year, which starts Aug. 5 (or Aug. 6 for the city of Decatur).
Clarkston
Islamic Circle of North America Relief, a national nonprofit, plans to distribute 1,000 backpacks and school supplies to children in Clarkston on Saturday, July 27.
The event, happening at 3 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center, is part of a nationwide back-to-school drive organized by the charity, held in more than 70 cities in 35 states and Puerto Rico.
Local faith groups, nonprofits and other organizations are also collaborating on the giveaway.
» RELATED: Here’s when schools in DeKalb County reopen for the new school year
Decatur
C.H.O.I.C.E.S. is hosting the "Let's Move! DeKalb Back-to-School Expo" on Saturday, July 27, offering free backpacks with school supplies. The expo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will also include a food pantry and education on nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It takes place at the Exchange Park Recreation Center located at 2771 Columbia Dr.
At last year’s expo, more than 1,100 students received backpacks and more than 30,000 pounds of groceries were distributed.
Lithonia
Platform of Hope is hosting the Back 2 School Bash III on Saturday, July 27, at the Redan Recreation Center. Over 500 backpacks will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The center is located at 1839 Phillips Road in Lithonia. There will also be music, bounce houses, a teen area and opportunities to interact with police officers and firefighters.
Chamblee
The Chamblee Police Department's Cop-N-Stuff outreach organization is hosting the Third Annual Back to School Bash on August 3. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dresden Park located at 2301 Dresden Dr.
There will be a giveaway of more than 650 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for elementary school aged children, free food, music and games. A parent or guardian must accompany any child receiving a book bag.
Stonecrest
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will be giving away 3,000 new pairs of shoes at its Back to School Shoe Giveaway on Aug. 3.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the church located at 6400 Woodrow Road in Stonecrest. Parents must accompany children receiving shoes, and there will also be food, entertainment and vendors.
Pre-registration is required on the church's newbirth.org website.
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